April 6, 2023 ~ Pop, dance-pop singer, actor Paul Cattermole, full name Paul Gerald Cattermole, passed away in Dorset, UK ~ Member of S Club 7 from 1998 through 2002, present on songs such as Bring It All Back, S Club Party, Never Had A Dream Come True and Don't Stop Movin' ~ Cattermole was born in 1977
April 6, 2021 ~ Huey Simmons, commonly known as jazz, free jazz saxophonist, hornist Sonny Simmons, passed away ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Prince Lasha, Michael Marcus, Moksha Samnyasin, Bobby Few, Horace Tapscott, Brandon Evans, Anthony Braxton, Elvin Jones, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, and others ~ Simmons was born in 1933
April 6, 2019 ~ Country singer, guitarist Jim Glaser, full name James William Glaser, passed away in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA\ ~ Member of sibling outfit the Glaser Brothers, known for songs such as California Girl (And The Tennessee Square), Rings, Ain't It All Worth Living For, and Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again), all of which reached top 20 Billboard Country top 20. Glaser has also recorded a handful of solo albums, his most successfull being his Man In The Mirror 1983 debut album which spawned the Billboard Country charttopper You're Gettin' To Me. Glaser was also the first to record Who Were You Thinkin' Of in 1979, notably covered by Sir Douglas Quintet, the Texas Tornados, and Billy Bacon & the Forbidden Pigs ~ Glaser was born in 1937
April 6, 2018 ~ Pop singer Jacques Higelin, full name Jacques Joseph Victor Higelin, passed away in Paris, France ~ Actively recording since the early 1970s. Would grow to become one of France's most popular artists due to his incessive touring, usually in smaller, intimate venues. Has collaborated with Brigitte Fontaine, Areski Belkacem, and others ~ Higelin was born in 1940
April 6, 2016 ~ Singer, songwriter Merle Haggard, full name Merle Ronald Haggad, passed away in Palo Cedro, California, USA ~ Influenced by Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams. Known for songs such as My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, Branded Man, The Fightin' Side Of Me, and others. Has collaborated with the Strangers, Bonnie Owens, Johnnie Lee Willis, Eldon Shamblin, Tiny Moore, Joe Holly, Johnny Gimble, Alex Brashear, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Clint Eastwood, Gram Parsons, Ray Price, Leona Williams, Albert E Brumley, and others ~ Haggard was born in 1937
April 6, 2015 ~ Jazz, pop pianist, accordionist, songwriter, arranger Milton Delugg passed away ~ Active since the 1940s. Musical director, bandleader, accordionist on Broadway Open House aired on NBC, considered a forerunner to The Tonight Show. Co-wrote and first recorded Orange Colored Sky featuring singer Janet Brace, best known as a hit for Nat King Cole. Other songs written or co-written by Delugg include Shanghai (Doris Day), Be My Life's Companion (the Mills Brothers), Shake Hands With Santa Claus (Louis Prima), A Poor Man's Roses Or A Rich Man's Gold (Patsy Cline). Also notably remembered for producing Buddy Holly's iconic Rave On rock & roll classic ~ Delugg was born in 1918
April 6, 2013 ~ Classical, jazz pianist, composer, arranger Don Shirley, full name Donald Walbridge Shirley, passed away in Manhattan, New York, USA ~ Actively recording since the mid-1950s. Composed organ symphonies, works for piano, strings, cello, and opera. Worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and others ~ Shirley was born in 1927
April 6, 2010 ~ Vincent Charles Pusateri, commonly known as hard rock, glam metal bassist, singer Vinnie Chas, passed away in Vancouver, Washington, USA ~ Served in several bands with a then-unknown Jerry Cantrell, his childhood friend of later Alice In Chains fame, prior to joining glam metal outfit Pretty Boy Floyd. The band is perhaps best known for Rock And Roll (Is Gonna Set The Night On Fire) and I Wanna Be With You, both taken of their 1989 Leather Boyz With Electric Toyz debut album ~ Pusateri was born in 1963
April 6, 2009 ~ Pop singer, songwriter Jacques Hustin passed away ~ Active since the mid-1960s enjoying popularity with songs such as Camelias. Internationally perhaps best known for representing his native Belgium at the 1974 Eurovision Songfestival with his self-penned Fleur De Liberté, reaching 9th place. Hustin would continue to record and perform throughout the 1980s, eventually retiring from music to focus on his painting career ~ Hustin was born in 1940
April 6, 2003 ~ Drummer, social activist Babatunde Olatunji passed away in Salinas, California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Admired by peers, especially John Coltrane who wrote and recorded the song Tunji as a tribute to Olatunji. Referenced by Bob Dylan in I Shall Be Free. Covered by Carlos Santana (Jing-go-la-ba). Worked with Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Quincy Jones, Pee Wee Ellis, Stevie Wonder, Randy Weston, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, Mickey Hart, Airto Moreira, Muruga Booker, Sikiru Adepoju, Halim El-Dabh, Randy Weston, Max Roach, Kai Winding, Herbie Mann, Serge Gainsbourg, Richie Havens, Taj Mahal, and Tupac Shakur ~ Olatunji was born in 1927
April 6, 2002 ~ Drummer Kevin Kelley, full name Kevin Daniel Kelley, passed away in Hollywood, California, USA ~ Member of Rising Sons, joining the band in 1965 as replacement for original drummer Ed Cassidy. The band is known for including both Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal and broke up soon after their 1966 Candy Man single. Briefly a member of the Byrds, present on the pivotal country rock album The Sweethearts Of The Rodeo. Following his departure in 1968 has been a member of Fever Tree and Gas Food & Lodging, and sessioned for the like of John Fahey, Phil Ochs, Jerry Jeff Walker, Judee Sill, and Michael Cohen ~ Kelley was born in 1943
April 6, 1999 ~ Kenneth Norville, commonly known as vibraphonist, composer Red Norvo, passed away ~ One of jazz's early vibraphonists. Leader and sideman. Worked with the Collegians, Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Woody Herman, his wife Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney, Charles Mingus, Red Mitchell, and others ~ Norvo was biorn in 1908
April 6, 1998 ~ Virginia Wynette Pugh, commonly known as country singer, songwriter Tammy Wynette passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, USA ~ One of country's best-known and best-selling female artists. Dubbed “the First Lady of Country Music” and along with Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Lynn Anderson and Dolly Parton credited with having defined the role of women in country. Best known for her late 1960s recording Stand By Your Man. Married to country singer George Jones from 1969 to 1975, with whom she recorded a number of well-charting duets. ~ Wynette was born in 1942
April 6, 1994 ~ Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger Dick Cary passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Worked with Joe Marsala, Benny Goodman, the Casa Loma Orchestra, Brad Gowans, Muggsy Spanier, Wild Bill Davison, Billy Butterfield, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Dorsey, Eddie Condon, Pee Wee Russell, Max Kaminsky, Bud Freeman, Jimmy McPartland, Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden, Barbara Lea, Maxine Sullivan, Ruth Brown, Lee Castle, Edmond Hall, Barney Bigard, BB King, and others ~ Cary was born in 1916
April 6, 1984 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Jimmy Kennedy passed away in Cheltenham, UK ~ Co-wrote over an estimated 2,000 songs, adding lyrics to traditional songs or collaborating on original songs by composers such as Michael Carr, Wilhelm Grosz, and Nat Simon. Well known songs include Red Sails In The Sunset (Lew Stone, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong), Did Your Mother Come From Ireland (Roy Fox, Rudy Vallée, Guy Lombardo), South Of The Border (Billy Cotton, Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra), Istanbul Not Constantinopel (the Four Lads, Joe Fingers Carr, Caterina Valente), Write To Me From Naples (Dean Martin, Elvis Presley) ~ Kennedy was born in 1902
April 6, 1984 ~ Pop punk, indie rock, emo singer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Max Bemis, full name Max Adam Bemis, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Lead singer, primary songwriter for Say Anything through 2018, known for songs such as Alive With The Glory Of Love, Baby Girl I'm A Blur and Hate Everyone. Member of supergroup Two Tongues, sharing lead vocals with Chris Conley. Forms Perma with his wife Sherri DuPree
April 6, 1983 ~ Post-hardcore singer Jeremy Bolm born in Los Angeles, California, USA ~ Best known as lead singer of Touché Amoré. Has also worked with Thriller, Dead Head, and Hesitation Wounds. Produced Gouge Away's 2018 Burnt Sugar album. Has guested on recordings by Loma Prieta, O'Brother, Drug Church, Circa Survive, and Say Anything
April 6, 1982 ~ Guitarist, pianist, songwriter Michael Guy Chislett born in Skipton, Australia ~ Lead guitarist, co-founding member of Christian worship band Hillsong United, present on most of the band's best known including Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) and Touch The Sky. Lead guitarist for rock outfit the Academy Is from 2006 through 2011
April 6, 1981 ~ Producer, DJ, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter Alex Suarez born in Stamford, Connecticut, USA ~ Co-founding member of dance-pop, house, disco act Cobra Starship, best known for the Billboard top 10 hits Good Girls Go Bad featuring Leighton Meester and You Make Me Feel featuring Sabi. Suarez remained with the band from its inception in 2006 until 2014. Also co-founded This Is Ivy League with fellow Starship member Ryland Blackinton
April 6, 1978 ~ Singer, pianist, model Myleene Klass, full name Myleene Angela Klass, born in Norfolk, UK ~ First gained attention as member of pop group Hear'say, a group created through the ITV reality show Popstars in 2001 and known for a handful of subsequent UK top 10 hits, namely Pure & Simple, The Way To Your Love, Everybody and Lovin' Is Easy. As a solo singer released two classical crossover albums, notably her 2003 Moving On debut album. Has since gone to become a TV personality hosting and appearing on several TV shows
April 6, 1978 ~ Jazz, hip-hop, R&B, neo soul, jazz fusion pianist, keyboardist Robert Glasper born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ About a dozen albums to his name starting with Mood released in 2004. Critically acclaimed for his 2012 Grammy Award-winning Black Radio crossover album, featuring guests such as Erykah Badu, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Mos Def, and Musiq Soulchild. In-demand collaborator, appearing on albums by Marcus Strickland, Carmen Lundy, Q-Tip, Norah Jones, Bilal, Gretchen Parlato, Lionel Loueke, Marcus Miller, Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp A Butterfly), Common, Talib Kweli, Avant, and others
April 6, 1976 ~ Post-rock, art rock, dream pop bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, singer Georg Hólm born in Iceland ~ Co-founding and along with Jónsi only other remaining original member of Sigur Rós, known for songs such as Glósóli, Gobbledigook, Inni Mér Syngur Vitleysingur, Brennisteinn, and Isjaki
April 6, 1976 ~ Classical, folk, jazz, bluegrass mandolinist, guitarist, violinist Joseph Brent, full name Joseph Frederick Brent, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Member of 9 Horses. In-demand sideman in a variety of genres. Has worked with Regina Spektor, Jewel, Kishi Bashi, Gary Smulyan. Has also recorded and performed classical music working with renowned orchestras including the Seattle Symphony, the San Francisco Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, and others
April 6, 1974 ~ Pop group ABBA win the 19th edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in Brighton, UK ~ Representing Sweden pop group ABBA win with their own composition song Waterloo written by Benny Anderson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson. It would mark the international breakthrough of the group who would go on to become the most successful Eurovision contestant ever, and ever
April 6, 1971 ~ Pop rock sibling outfit the Bee Gees record Country Woman ~ Written by Maurice Gibb. Produced by the band and their manager Robert Stigwood. Intended for the 1971 Trafalgar album though it did not make the final cut. The song, all vocals and instruments solely by Maurice, would be featured however on the B-side of their May 1971 How Can You Mend A Broken Heart single
April 6, 1971 ~ Composer Igor Stravinsky, full name Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky, passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Generally acknowledged as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century noted for his stylistic diversity. Rose to fame with three ballets, 1910's Firebird, 1911's Petrushka and 1913's The Rite Of Spring ~ Stravinsky was born in 1882
April 6, 1968 ~ Singer Massiel wins the thirteenth edition of the Eurovision Songfestival held in London, UK ~ Representing Spain, singer Massiel wins with the song La La La written by Manuel de la Calva and Ramón Arcusa. Runner-ups would be the UK's Cliff Richard with Congratulations in 2nd place, and France's Isabelle Aubret with La Source in 3rd
April 6, 1968 ~ Rosa Deschamps, commonly known as jazz, blues singer, vaudeville entertainer Rosa Henderson passed away in Roosevelt, New York, USA ~ Known for 1920s recordings such as Afternoon Blues, Doggone Blues, He May Be Your Dog But He's Wearing My Collar and Papa If You Can't Do Better I'll Let A Better Papa Move In. Worked with the Virginians, Fletcher Henderson, the Choo Choo Jazzers, the Kansas City Five, the Four Black Diamonds, and others ~ Deschamps was born in 1896
April 6, 1965 ~ Charles Thompson IV, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Black Francis born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA ~ Frontman of the Pixies, known for quintessential alternative rock, punk rock albums such as 1988's Surfer Rosa, 1989's Doolittle and 1990's Bossanova. Active as a solo artist since the early 1990s under the moniker Frank Black, noted for the the Beach Boys-cover Hang On To Your Ego taken of his 1992 eponymous Frank Black solo debut album
April 6, 1962 ~ Singer Bobby Vinton releases his Roses Are Red (My Love) single off his Roses Are Red album ~ Vinton had been recording for a few years, to little success. His first charting single, Roses Are Red (My Love), however, would also become one of his best-known. It would top the charts in about half a dozen countries, including the USA, making it the first Billboard Hot 100 charttopper for the Epic Records label. Written by Paul Evans and Al Byron, Vinton first recorded the song as an R&B song, though re-recorded it with a more dramatic arrangement, with strings and vocal choir added. Vinton would score three more No.1 hits through the mid-1960s, Blue Velvet, There I've Said It Again, and Mr Lonely
April 6, 1961 ~ Gene Andrusco, commonly known as rock, alternative rock, funk rock singer, guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter Gene Eugene, born in Fort Frances, Canada ~ Best known for fronting alternative rock band Adam Again. Member of the Swirling Eddies. Co-founding member of supergroup the Lost Dogs. Notable credits as a producer and engineer include 441, Randy Stonehill, the 77's, Daniel Amos, Aunt Bettys, the Kosmos Express and Starflyer '59 ~ Andrusco passed away in 2000
April 6, 1960 ~ Singer Elvis Presley records Crying In The Chapel at RCA Studios, Nashville, Tennessee ~ Written by Artie Glenn. Originally recorded by Glenn's son Darrell Glenn in 1953. Three takes were recorded by Presley with the Jordanaires in 1960, intended for the RCA gospel album His Hand In Mine, yet since Presley was not pleased the recordings would be shelved for five years. Released as a single in 1965 with I Believe In The Man In The Sky on the flip side it would become one of Presley's best known gospel songs, sell over a million copies and reach top 10 in several countries including America, the UK, and the Netherlands. The recording would later be included on Presley's How Great Thou Art gospel album
April 6, 1960 ~ Jazz guitarist, singer John Pizzarelli, full name John Paul Pizzarelli Jr, born in Paterson, New Jersey, USA ~ Son of swing guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Brother of bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Married to singer Jessica Molaskey. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, specifically noted for his 1996 After Hours album. Has apeared on albums by Cleo Laine, Johnny Frigo, Dave Van Ronk, Ersel Hickey, Stéphane Grappelli (Live At The Blue Note), Natalie Cole, Rickie Lee Jones, James Taylor (October Road), Monty Alexander (My America), the Manhattan Transfer, Buddy DeFranco, Debby Boone, Jessica Molaskey (Sitting In Limbo), Paul McCartney, Sara Gazarek, and Jane Monheit
April 6, 1960 ~ R&B singer, pianist Martha Davis passed away in New York, New York, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity throughout the 1950s. Influenced by Fats Waller. Married to bassist Calvin Ponder, with whom she regularly worked. Known for Little White Lies, originally recorded by Dick Haymes, and for the Louis Jordan-duet Daddy-O, the latter a Billboard R&B top 10 hit in 1948 ~ Davis was born in 1917
April 6, 1960 ~ Guitarist Warren Haynes born in Asheville, North Carolina, USA ~ Longtime member of the Allman Brothers Band, first appearing on the band's 1990 Seven Turns album. Co-founding member of jam band Gov't Mule, known for a string of acclaimed albums starting in the mid-1990s. Also closely associated with the Grateful Dead-bassist Phil Lesh. Co-wrote Garth Brooks' Two Of A Kind Workin' On A Full House. Has also worked with David Allan Coe, Dickey Betts, the Dave Matthews Band, Derek Trucks Band, Elvin Bishop, Buckwheat Zydeco, Joe Bonamassa (A New Day Yesterday), Trombone Shorty, Walter Trout, the Nighthawks, and has recorded about half a dozen albums as a solo artist and with his backing unit the Warren Haynes Band
April 6, 1955 ~ Terri Laird, commonly known as punk rock singer, songwriter Texas Terri, born in Austin, Texas, USA ~ Critically compared to the Plasmatics-frontwoman Wendy O Williams. Founded and fronted the Killer Crows in the mid-1980s. Fronted punk rock outfit Texas Terri & the Stiff Ones, achieving cult status in America and Europe and known for their sole Eat Shit album released in 1998
April 6, 1953 ~ Keyboardist Christopher Franke born in Berlin, Germany ~ Member of pioneering electronica band Tangerine Dream from 1971 to 1987, present on most of the band's key albums including 1973's Atem and 1974's Phaedra. After his split from the band Franke performed live only once, a 1991 set at the Astoria Theatre, London, but recorded prolifically as a solo artist and composed several soundtracks
April 6, 1953 ~ Dottsy Brodt, mononymously known a country singer, guitarist Dottsy, born in Seguin, Texas, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s, songs such as Storms Never Last, I'll Be Your San Antone Rose, Play Born To Lose Again, Here In Love, and Tryin' To Satisfy You all reaching the Billboard Country top 20
April 6, 1950 ~ Folk, folk rock violinist, guitarist, mandolinist, singer Brian McNeill born in Falkirk, UK ~ Actively recording since the late 1970s, both as a solo artist and with the Battlefield Band which he co-founded. Plays a multitude of instruments including violin, viola, guitar, bouzouki, cittern, concertina and hurdy-gurdy. Also known as novelist, debuting with The Busker in 1989
April 6, 1950 ~ Reggae guitarist, cellist Steven Cat Coore born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Along with Richard Daley the only constant member of reggae, reggae fusion outfit Third World, known best for songs such as Now That We Found Love, Cool Meditation, Dancing On The Floor and Try Jah Love
April 6, 1948 ~ Progressive rock, classical, folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Gordon Giltrap born in Brenchley, UK ~ Revered guitarist admired by peers, drawing praise from artists such as Marillion's Steve Rothery, Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Deep Purple's Ritchie Blackmore. Emerged from the 1960s folk scene, debuting in 1968 with the eponymous Gordon Giltrap album. Has recorded consistently since with over two dozen albums to his name
April 6, 1947 ~ Singer, bassist Rosemary Butler born in California, USA ~ Bassed in all-female outfits the Ladybirds and Birtha. Went on to become an in-demand backing singer, mostly throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, appearing on recordings by Linda Ronstadt, Del Shannon (Runaway), James Taylor, Warren Zevon, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt (Sweet Forgiveness), Boz Scaggs, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rosanne Cash, and others
April 6, 1946 ~ Guitarist, bassist Danny Kortchmar born in Larchmont, New York, USA ~ Closely associated with a number of 1970s singer, songwriters including Linda Ronstadt, David Crosby, David Cassidy, Graham Nash, Neil Young, and Carly Simon. Member of the King Bees, the Flying Machine, the Fugs. Backed James Taylor, including on his 1970 Sweet Baby James album. Backed Carole King, including on her pivotal 1971 Tapestry album. Frequent collaborator of Don Henley, including writing or co-writing songs such as All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Sunset Grill, and New York Minute. Has also worked with Jo Mama, the Attitudes, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, and Tracy Chapman
April 6, 1946 ~ Reggae, ska, rocksteady, gospel singer Tommy Cowan, full name Thomas Lincoln Cowan, born in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica ~ Active since the mid-1960s. Member of the Merricoles, which achieved fame after changing their name to the Jamaicans in 1967. The band would go on to score hits with songs such as Baba Boom, Sing Freedom, Things You Say You Love, and Woman Go Home. Following the band's disbandement Cowan would go on to work with renowned producer Byron Lee's Dynamic Studios and eventually turn to producing himself, notably the Israel Vibration albums The Same Song and Why Worry. Served as manager for Inner Circle. Helped Bob Marley set up his Tuff Gong studio. After converting to Christianity in the 1990s co-founded the Glory Music record label and co-founded Fun In The Son, Jamaica's largest Christian music festival
April 6, 1944 ~ Schlager, easy listening singer Bernd Spier born in Mecklenburg, Germany ~ Son of conductor Robby Spier. Enjoyed succes in the early 1960s prior to the rise of the Beatles. Briefly returned in the late 1960s, early 1970s scoring hits in Germany with Pretty Belinda and Knock Three Times, covers of respectively Chris Andrews and Tony Orlando & Dawn ~ Spier passed away in 2017
April 6, 1944 ~ John Edward Lee Fullagar, commonly known as rock bassist John Stax born in Crayford, UK ~ Original guitarist of the Pretty Things, remaining with the band through 1967. Chose the stage name “Stax” for the love of music produced by the Stax/Volt record label. Present on the Things' first three albums which included some of their best-known such as Rosalyn, Don't Bring Me Down, Road Runner and Cry To Me. Has also played with R&B supergroup Blues Hangover alongside Dave Hogan, Peter Wells and others.
April 6, 1943 ~ Julie Rolls, commonly known as pop, easy listening singer Julie Rogers born in London, UK ~ Best known for The Wedding, which reached top 10 in Australia, America and her native England in 1964. Other well known songs include Like A Child and Hawaiian Wedding Song
April 6, 1943 ~ Jazz saxophonist Noah Howard born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane, Albert Ayler. Worked with Sun Ra, Frank Wright, Archie Shepp, Arthur Doyle, Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink, Omar Al Fadir, Dave Burrell, Earl Freeman, Sunny Murray, Clifford Thornton, Lester Bowie, Frank Lowe, Rashied Ali, Steve Boston, Tim Ingles, Johnny Dyani, Chris McGregor, Bobby Few, Eve Packer, Bobby Kapp, and others ~ Howard passed away in 2010
April 6, 1941 ~ Pan flutist Gheorghe Zamfir born in Gaesti, Romania ~ Dubbed “the Master of the Pan Flute” and best known for his contributions to soundtracks, first gaining attention in 1972 as the soloist in Vladimir Cosma's soundtrack for Le Grand Blond Avec Une Chaussure Noire. Other notable credits include Childhood Memories and Cockeye's Song of the 1984 Ennio Morricone-composed soundtrack for Once Upon A Time In America, and The Lonely Shepherd written by and recorded with James Last
April 6, 1941 ~ Harry Haley McClaskey, commonly known as singer, radio personality, producer Henry Burr, passed away in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Enjoyed popularity from the early 1900s onwards. Known for songs such as Just A Baby's Prayer At Twilight, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, When I Lost You and In The Shade Of The Apple Tree. Also closely associated with Albert Campbell duetting on hits such as The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine, Somebody's Waiting For Someone, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles ~ McClaskey was born in 1882
April 6, 1938 ~ Singer Barbara Pittman born ~ One of the few female singers at Sun Records. Known for a handful of mid- to late-1950s singles such as I Need A Man, Two Young Fools In Love, Everlasting Love and Handsome Man ~ Pittman passed away in 2018
April 6, 1938 ~ Hedwig Grace West, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, banjoist, songwriter Hedy West, born in Cartersville, Georgia, USA ~ Actively performing since her teens. Best known for 500 Miles, patched together from older fragments and credited to West. The song would later be covered by a host of artists, perhaps most notably Bobby Bare ~ West passed away in 2005
April 6, 1937 ~ Actor, singer, author Billy Dee Williams, full name William December Williams Jr, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Best known as an actor with a career spanning six decades, appearing in numerous films. Made his Broadway stage debut at age seven in The Firebrand Of Florence. Notable acting credits include appearing in the Star Wars franchise as Lando Calrissian, and starring alongside Diana Ross in the critically acclaimed films Lady Sings The Blues and Mahogany. As a singer Williams recorded the jazz album Let's Misbehave in 1961, consisting of swing standards. The album also featured the first-ever vocal recording of A Taste Of Honey, later notably covered by the Beatles on their 1963 Please Please Me album
April 6, 1937 ~ Jazz guitarist Gene Bertoncini born in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded some two dozen albums as a leader or co-leader, especially noted for his Bridges album released in 1977. Known for the sensitivity of his playing, and for using a nylon-string guitar as Charlie Byrd had done previously. An in-demand sideman, Bertoncini has guested on albums by Sonny Stitt, Clark Terry (Tread Ye Lightly), Duke Pearson, Earl Coleman (Love Songs), Toots Thielemans, Nancy Wilson, Paul Desmond, Luiz Bonfá, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws (Afro-Classic), Joe Farrell, Grover Washington Jr, Ronnie Foster (The Two-Headed Freap), Paul Desmond, Tasha Thomas, Michal Urbaniak, and Susannah McCorkle
April 6, 1937 ~ Keiji Otsuka, commonly known as jazz drummer George Otsuka, born in Tokyo, Japan ~ First began playing professionally with Sadao Watanabe in the late 1950s. Member of the Four Drums, alongside Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, and Mel Lewis. Formed the trio We 3 with Hiroyuki Takamoto and Hideaki Kanazawa. During the 1970s and 1980s, Otsuka worked as touring musician for the Japanese legs of tours by international artists including Elvin Jones, Kenny Kirkland, John Scofield, Nana Vasconcelos, Miroslav Vitous, and Reggie Workman ~ Otsuka passed away in 2020
April 6, 1937 ~ Singer, songwriter Merle Haggard, full name Merle Ronald Haggad, born in Oildale, California, USA ~ Influenced by Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Hank Williams. Known for songs such as My Friends Are Gonna Be Strangers, I'm A Lonesome Fugitive, Branded Man, The Fightin' Side Of Me, and others. Has collaborated with the Strangers, Bonnie Owens, Johnnie Lee Willis, Eldon Shamblin, Tiny Moore, Joe Holly, Johnny Gimble, Alex Brashear, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Paycheck, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Clint Eastwood, Gram Parsons, Ray Price, Leona Williams, Albert E Brumley, and others ~ Haggard passed away in 2016
April 6, 1936 ~ Classical, jazz, free jazz trumpeter, hornist Manfred Schoof born in Magdeburg, Germany ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Alexander von Schlippenbach, Gerd Dudek, George Russell, Jasper van 't Hof, the Globe Unity Orchestra, the European Jazz Ensemble, George Gruntz, Gunter Hampel, Peter Brötzmann, Don Cherry, Albert Mangelsdorff, Mal Waldron, and others
April 6, 1935 ~ Jazz pianist, composer Horace Tapscott, full name Horace Elva Tapscott, born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Played trombone before making piano his primary instrument. While still in his teens backed artists such as Frank Morgan, Don Cherry, and Billy Higgins. Well over a dozen albums as a leader, including with the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra which he founded. Critically compared to Thelonious Monk and Herbie Nichols. Especially acclaimed for the late 1960s albums West Coast Hot and The Giant Is Awakened, and for a string of 1990s albums including Thoughts Of Dar Es Salaam. Over the course of his career, Tapscott has also notably appeared on recordings by Lou Blackburn, Lou Rawls (Black And Blue), Sonny Criss (Up Up And Away), Elaine Brown, and John Carter ~ Tapscott passed away in 1999
April 6, 1933 ~ Trumpeter, flugelhornist Bill Hardman, full name William Franklin Hardman Jr, born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA ~ Never a household name, yet an influential crackling hard bop player nevertheless, known for his blazing technique, crisp articulations, and no-frills sound. Over half a dozen albums as a leader since the mid-1950s, acclaimed especially for Politely, one of his latter-day albums released in 1981. Sideman on albums by Jackie McLean, Mal Waldron (Wheelin'), Hank Mobley, Art Blakey (A Night In Tunisia), Tiny Bradshaw, Lou Donaldson, Dave Bailey (Two Feet In The Gutter), Charles Mingus (Tijuana Moods), Benny Golson, Howard McGhee, Reuben Wilson (The Sweet Life), Curtis Fuller, Charles Earland, and Junior Cook (Good Cookin') ~ Hardman passed away in 1990
April 6, 1929 ~ Andreas Ludwig Priwin, commonly known as pianist, composer, arranger, conductor André Previn, born in Berlin, Germany ~ As an arranger and composer for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer involved in the music for over 50 films. Won four Oscars for best music scoring or adaptation on the films Gigi, Porgy & Bess, Irma La Douce and My Fair Lady. Also a music director and conductor closely associated with leading classical orchestras including the Houston Symphony, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Oslo Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Worked in smaller ensembles such as jazz trios and accompanied jazz singers, mostly focusing on the American Songbook idiom ~ Previn passed away in 2019
April 6, 1929 ~ Arthur S Taylor Jr, commonly known as drummer Art Taylor, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Helped define the sound of modern jazz drumming. Active since the late 1940s. Led Taylor's Wailers in the mid-1950s. Closely associated with Bud Powell, including on the acclaimed early 1950s albums The Bud Powell Trio, The Bud Powell Trio Plays and Jazz At Massey Hall Vol.2. Other notable album appearances include Art Farmer, George Wallington, Elmo Hope, Thad Jones, Lennie Tristano (Tristano), Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Gene Ammons, Lee Morgan, Ernie Henry, Lou Donaldson, Art Blakey, Ray Charles (Ray Charles), George Arvanitas, Dizzy Reece (Blues In Trinity), Wilbur Harden, John Coltrane (Lush Life), Donald Byrd, Oliver Nelson, Duke Jordan (Flight To Jordan), Arnett Cobb, Miles Davis (Sketches Of Spain), Buddy Tate, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Sonny Stitt, and Dexter Gordon ~ Taylor passed away in 1995
April 6, 1929 ~ Composer Edison Denisov, full name Edison Vasilievich Denisov, born in Tomsk, Russia ~ Mentored by Dmitri Shostakovich. Admired by Igor Stravinsky. Gained recognition with Le Soleil Des Incas for soprano and chamber ensemble published in 1964. Other well known works include the operas Lécume Des Jours and Quatre Filles, and the ballet Confession. Had many of his compositions criticized and banned by the Russian authorities for its “Western influences” ~ Denisov passed away in 1996
April 6, 1927 ~ Jazz, cool jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, arranger Gerry Mulligan, full name Gerald Joseph Mulligan, born in Queens, New York, USA ~ Praised for his fluidity on the baritone sax. Recorded over 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, starting in the early 1950s. Best known for compositions such as Venus De Milo, Jeru, Walkin' Shoes, and Five Brothers. Especially acclaimed for the albums Konitz Meets Mulligan with Lee Konitz, Songbook, and What Is There To Say. Other notable collaborations include Chubby Jackson, George Wallington, Chet Baker, JJ Johnson, Teddy Wilson, Manny Albam, Billy Taylor (My Fair Lady Loves Jazz), Miles Davis (Birth Of The Cool), Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mandel, Zoot Sims (Choice), Jack Teagarden (100 Years From Today), Dave Brubeck, and T-Bone Walker ~ Mulligan passed away in 1996
April 6, 1926 ~ Margaret Hoffler, commonly known as R&B singer Margie Day, born in Norfolk, Virginia, USA ~ Recorded as a solo artist as well as with the Four Bars & a Melody (Near You), the Griffin Brothers (Street Walking Daddy, Sadie Green, Pretty Baby), Paul Williams, and others ~ Hoffler passed away in 2014
April 6, 1926 ~ Jazz, world fusion pianist Randy Weston, full name Randolph Edward Weston, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ A disciple of Thelonious Monk, also influenced by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat King Cole, and Earl Hines. Closely associated with trombonist Melba Liston, a regular collaborator. Weston recorded some 50 albums as a leader or co-leader, and is particularly noted for Jazz A La Bohemia, Uhuru Afrika, and Tanjah. As a composer, Weston is perhaps best known for Hi-Fly, first recorded by Weston in 1958 and covered by numerous artists including Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley, Eric Dolphy, and Dexter Gordon. Once described as America's African Musical Ambassador, Weston has been quoted as saying: “What I do I do because it's about teaching and informing everyone about our most natural cultural phenomenon. It's really about Africa and her music” ~ Weston passed away in 2018
April 6, 1926 ~ Sergio Franci Galli, commonly known as tenor singer, actor Sergio Franchi, born in Codogno, Italy ~ Initially aimed for a career in opera, yet would find succes with romantic traditional pop, showtunes and operatic cross-over pop in the UK in the early 1960s and subsequently in America eventually headlining in Las Vegas. Well known songs include Core 'Ngrato, Volare, Torna A Surriento, A Man Without Love, Passione, and A Vucchella ~ Galli passed away in 1990
April 6, 1924 ~ Bebop, hard bop saxophonist Charlie Rouse born in Washington DC, USA ~ Closely associated with Thelonious Monk, backing the pianist for over a decade starting in 1959, including on albums such as At The Blackhawk, Criss-Cross, and Monk In Tokyo. Rouse has recorded over a dozen albums as leader or co-leader, especially noted for 1957's The Chase Is On, a collaborative album with Paul Quinichette. Other notable associations include Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Tadd Dameron, Clifford Brown, Lou Donaldson, Oscar Pettiford, Art Farmer, Les Jazz Modes (Jazzville), Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Herbie Mann, Fats Navarro (Nostalgia), Donald Byrd, Art Blakey, Duke Jordan (Duke's Delight), and Sphere. The latter was co-founded by Rouse in 1977, starting out as a tribute band to Monk, the pianist with whom Rouse truly rose to fame. The group also included another Monk-alumnus, drummer Ben Riley, and recorded their first album on the day that Monk died ~ Rouse passed away in 1988
April 6, 1900 ~ Songwriter, lyricist Leo Robin born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Perhaps best remembered for co-writing Thanks For The Memory with Ralph Rainger, sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film The Big Broadcast Of 1938. Other well known songs co-written by Robin include Blue Hawaii (Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley), In Love In Vain (Margaret Whiting, Betty Madigan, Patti Page), Prisoner Of Love (Russ Columbo, Mildred Bailey, Teddy Wilson, the Ink Spots), Miss Brown To You (Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae), Love Is Just Around The Corner (the Pickens Sisters, the Dorsey Brothers), and Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend (Carol Channing, Marilyn Monroe, Lena Horne, Della Reese) ~ Robin passed away in 1984
April 6, 1892 ~ Old-time guitarist, harmonica player, singer Henry Whitter, full name William Henry Whitter, born near Fries, Virginia, USA ~ Reportedly the first country singer to record in New York in 1927, though the claim is disputed and Okeh records show no proof. Remembered for recordings such as The New River Train, Put My Little Shoes Away, Lost John, Fox Chase, and perhaps most notably his 1924 release The Wreck On The Southern Old 97 co-penned with regular collaborator GB Grayson. The latter would be covered the same year by Vernon Dalhart as The Wreck Of The Old '97 which paired with The Prisoner's Song on the flip side would become the first million-seller country song ~ Whitter passed away in 1941